Sony is using CES as a platform to bolster its Action Cam and Handycam camcorder lines, and both series feature new models that record video at 4K quality, giving consumers the ability to capture content for the latest generation of UHD televisions.

The most affordable of the bunch, the X100V Action Cam is a waterproof, rugged camera that's small enough to mount on a helmet or surfboard, but can record 30fps video at 4K (3,840-by-2,160) resolution using the XAVC S codec.

In addition to 4K, the X100V has numerous updates when compared with previous models. Its Steady Shot stabilization system has been improved, but enabling it sill limits the field of view of the Zeiss f/2.8 lens to 120°—with no Steady Shot disabled it captures a 170° field of view. The updated stabilization system works better when the camera is mounted to a moving vehicle or aerial drone, both common applications for action cam use.

The XAVC S codec adds support for bitrates at up to 60Mbps for 4K and 50Mbps for 1080p, and the sensor readout covers every pixel, so there's no line skipping or interpolation. And you've got more manual control over video—you can dial in EV compensation and control white balance. The microphone has also seen an update; wind noise reduction is now included.

The X100V is priced at just $499 on its own, or at $599 with a remote control. One hundred dollars may seem pricey for a remote, but it includes a Live View LCD and is capable of controlling multiple cameras at once. Sony's 1080p model is also getting the same updates, minus the 4K recording capability. It's called the AS200V and will sell for just $299 on its own, or $399 when bundled with the remote control.

If you're looking for a traditional camcorder with 4K, Sony also has you covered. The AX33 joins the Handycam line and supports 4K video capture. It features Balanced Optical Steady Shot, which puts the entire sensor and lens module on a gimbal in order to keep footage from its 10x optical zoom lens stabilized. The AX33 is priced at $1,099.

Sony is also updating a few of its 1080p camcorder models with XAVC S recording. The new lineup includes the PJ670 ($699), PJ440 ($399), CX440 ($299), and CX405 ($229). All of these include Optical Steady Shot and, with the exception of the CX405, integrated Wi-Fi.

If you're in the market for an action cam you can check out our roundup of the best models we've tested, and you can refer to our product guide for reviews of all types of digital camcorders.

About the Author

Senior digital camera analyst for the PCMag consumer electronics reviews team, Jim Fisher is a graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he concentrated on documentary video production. Jim's interest in photography really took off when he borrowed his father's Hasselblad 500C and light meter in 2007. He honed his writing skills at re... See Full Bio

Get Our Best Stories!

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.